Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, located in the heart of Moonee Ponds , markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my recent visit at this establishment quickly devolved into an unforgettable, terrible experience. While the bar may present a friendly façade, what I discovered behind its entrance was appalling and beyond comprehension .
The State of the Venue : Squalid and Neglected
From the moment I entered , it was apparent that upkeep was not a priority at this bar . The surfaces were tacky , and a nauseating aroma of old alcohol and dirty bathrooms suffused the entire bar . Reeking of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was piled high with used mugs and debris that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The toilet was in even more deplorable shape — clogged , with a shattered handle and walls stained in what I can only assume was fecal matter .
It wasn’t just a isolated occurrence either. After reading through multiple accounts and chatting with the community, it seems that the standard of sanitation (or lack thereof) at this pub is a recurring complaint. Many customers have reported witnessing insects darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business that serves drinks , these issues are completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the safety of anything they serve .
Management’s Behavior : mastersons bar moonee ponds Allegations of Misconduct
However, as appalling as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at this place something I’ll never forget for negative reasons—was the behavior of its operators . The bar is owned by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a professional role as a risk manager at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the business community is marred by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his business dealings and personal conduct.
During my time there, I noticed how distressed several female patrons seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was horrified to find numerous complaints against him involving inappropriate advances, with multiple women reporting interactions of sending unsolicited explicit content . Described as overly aggressive and boundary-crossing , his behavior has created an unwelcoming setting for women who attend Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a predatory presence than a welcoming host .
The Staff’s Responsibility : Part of the Problem or Helpless ?
Pete’s wife, the co-owner, is a co-owner and frequently seen supervising the venue. Instead of stepping in to resolve the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. This complicity adds a chilling layer to the already toxic atmosphere at Masterson’s .